Clostridium difficile Associated Disease (CDAD)

The bacteria, Clostridium difficile, is the most common cause of antibiotic associated diarrhoea. It spreads very readily in the hospital environment unless infection control measures are put in place. Clinical features of Clostridium difficile associated disease (CDAD) range from asymptomatic carriage through to diarrhoea, toxic megacolon and death. Mode of Transmission• Faecal-oral spread• Clostridium difficile can survive for long periods of time in the environment as spores, which if not removed can then infect new patientsIncubation Period• Unknown• Symptoms can occur at any time after prescribing antibiotics however usually 5-10 days

Period of Communicability• Patients should remain in isolation until 48 hours after symptoms resolve